08/02/2026
There is a movement in veterinary medicine to resist the corporate takeover of our profession like has been happening in human medicine. Dr. Ruskin used to work for a corporate practice so this is something dear to her heart. We will never be corporate owned. You can be sure of that. We have been seeing invoices from some of the corporate owned practices in our area and frankly are shocked by the fees being charged. This corporate greed is resulting in pets being euthanized or not receiving the care they need. 😢
What Makes A Privately Owned Hospital Better:
Clinical decisions are typically made by the owner-veterinarian.
Greater flexibility to tailor medicine to each
Patient.
Long-term relationships with clients and patients often become a defining feature.
Owner can invest in services that align with their philosophy, even if not the most profitable
Culture reflects the owner’s values.
1. More autonomy owner decides:
* Which equipment to purchase.
* Appointment lengths.
* Which medications and laboratories to use.
* How much charity care to provide.
* Whether to practice conventional, integrative, or holistic medicine.
This freedom can allow medicine to be practiced according to professional judgment rather than standardized business metrics.
2. Stronger client relationships
Clients often appreciate seeing the same veterinarian year after year. A privately owned hospital can build trust over decades, and the veterinarian has greater freedom to spend extra time with families when needed.
3. Unique identity
A private practice can develop its own personality. For example, a hospital could emphasize:
* Fear-free handling
* Longer appointments
* Hospice and palliative care
* Acupuncture and rehabilitation
* Community education
* Animal rescue partnerships
Those kinds of specialized missions are often easier to pursue when the owner has full control.
4. Greater flexibility for employees
Private owners can sometimes:
* Adjust schedules more easily.
* Reward outstanding employees creatively.
* Create a family-like workplace culture.
* Make quick decisions without multiple layers of approval.
5. Long-term investment in the community.
Many independent hospitals sponsor local events, support shelters, and build lasting relationships with nearby businesses and schools because the owner lives and works in the community.
A corporate hospital may face:
* Less flexibility in policies.
* Productivity expectations or financial targets.
* Decisions made by managers who may not be veterinarians.
* Less ability to individualize care or offer exceptions.
